We’re Taking a Day Off Today

By Paul Lukas, on June 9th, 2009

Uni Watch will be closed today. I know you all understand.

Can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the incredible outpouring of friendship and support yesterday, both in the comments and in the personal notes that many of you sent me. It means more to me than you can imagine. My thanks to each and every one of you.

The plan is to have some standard Uni Watch content up here tomorrow. See you then. — Paul

50 comments to We’re Taking a Day Off Today

Haven’t checked the site in a few days, so just hearing the news about your dad…….best of luck to you Paul. We’re all pulling for you and your family during this tough time!

silentfrank|
June 9, 2009 at 9:07 am |

First time I checked since last week. My deepest regrets about you and your family. I wish the best during these tough times ahead.

Beardface|
June 9, 2009 at 9:11 am |

Paul,

Wasn’t able to check the site yesterday because work swamped me, so I just saw the entry about your father. Sorry to hear about it, sounds like he was a great man. Take your time coming back, we’ll understand. And, to reference one of your greatest UW entries, don’t worry about the ticker… we’ll make our own motherf-ing ticker.

Take care,
BF

Marc Wermund|
June 9, 2009 at 9:20 am |

Paul,

My condolences to you and your family. The post about your father was rather touching and emotional. Thanks for sharing with us.

Take Care,
Marc

silentfrank|
June 9, 2009 at 9:25 am |

Probably should have read yesterday’s thread first…

Last spring, my father-in-law passed away. There were a few things that I wished he got to see but one of the things that I was glad he got to see was his daughter get married in 2006. My wife and I were 32 and 31 at the time, not really late for getting married but nonetheless I can imagine a parent getting anxious or worried as a son or daughter gets up towards that age if they will see them get married.

I bring that up only because of last season’s Giants SB victory. Granted a sporting victory is on a smaller scale, even if it was something along the lines of the Red Sox or White Sox’s recent World Series wins. But if you have a passion, even a minor one at that, for a team and you get to see it with someone you love, for me it would have to be one of the defining moments you were glad to have seen with that person. Reading your experience was touching and I’m glad you got to have that moment.

Again, best of thoughts.

Adam in St. Louis|
June 9, 2009 at 9:28 am |

Paul –

I was out of town until this morning and just saw yesterday’s post. Thank you for sharing a piece of your father with all of us. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Adam Elkana-Hale

Prexy Hater|
June 9, 2009 at 9:32 am |

Sorry to hear about your father. Whether he got it or not, he got you!

David A. Wilson|
June 9, 2009 at 9:46 am |

Paul,

My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I met you in Pittsburgh recently and really enjoyed speaking to you (albeit briefly as you had many to entertain). Your father helped to raise a very nice man, and the time he spent with you and the memories you take with you are a testament to the type of man he was. Take care and know that you have the support of the UW community.

David

Eric from Albany|
June 9, 2009 at 9:56 am |

Paul-
I can’t begin to imagine what you and your family are going through in this difficult time. My deepest condolences and thoughts to you and your family. Your article yesterday was deeply thoughtful and I know your dad was looking down and smiling at the warm memories that you conveyed. He was obviously very proud of the man you became.

morgan|
June 9, 2009 at 10:20 am |

Paul-

Please accept my deepest condolences as well. Your post about your father was very moving, and made me hope that I can do half as good a job raising my son.

Marcus Hall - Lets play 162!!|
June 9, 2009 at 10:22 am |

Take care Paul, my condolences to you and your family….

theExpress|
June 9, 2009 at 10:32 am |

Paul.. wishing you and your family all the best at this tough time

Alan Tompas|
June 9, 2009 at 10:34 am |

Today would have been my Dad’s 79th birthday. He died way too young back in 1986. So sorry for your loss Paul.Your Dad will always be there for you in your memory and in your heart.

Charles N. in SD|
June 9, 2009 at 10:55 am |

Paul,

As a fella’ who lost his own father 9 years ago, when I was 20, let me tell you – it gets a little easier every day. Always try to stay positive and think about the good times, and don’t be afraid to lean on your friends, that’s what they’re there for.

Cheers,
Charles

Bill|
June 9, 2009 at 10:59 am |

Paul,
On April 19th, 2001, just before the opening face off for a Dallas Stars Vs Edmonton Oilers Playoff game, at Reunion Areana, my Dad died sitting next to me. We were having a conversation about the previous game, when he didn’t answer my question. I looked over and he had had “the big one”. The heart attack killed him immediately. I have now had over 8 years to reflect on his passing, and I would not chang a thing. My love of sports was, surely, due to his love of sports. As a kid he always had a catch with me, coached my soccer teams, and was in the stands as often as possible for all of my games. When I graduated college, sports is what kept us in touch. We spent many Sunday’s yelling at the TV during Cowboys games. We had many chats about when the Rangers will ever get some pitching. We spent many, many evening at Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, and Stars games. Being with him when he passed was difficult, as death is never pretty. But, having him pass while we were gearing up for a big playoff games seems fitting. I miss him dearly, and think of him often.

I send my condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Your post was a wonderful tribute to your father, and it was kind of you to share with all of us. Thanks.

Way behind the curve, too – I’ve been “off the grid” the last couple of days – but I wanted to add my voice to the chorus of condolences. Best wishes to you and yours.

Matt Barden|
June 9, 2009 at 12:22 pm |

I didn’t get a chance to post yesterday. Sorry to hear the news. Your post yesterday was a great tribute to your father, you did him proud.

mb

Ed Hughes|
June 9, 2009 at 1:05 pm |

Paul, my condolences to you and your family. My dad passed away in 2007 and my father-in-law back in 1989; it does get easier with time but there are still moments when it hits me hard. Oddly enough, my sister and I independently hit upon almost the same way to remember our dad–his lacrosse uniform number, 21. My sister has a “21” charm on her bracelet; I have a small “21” on my goaltender’s mask. The last thing I said to my dad before he passed was “I love you” and he hears it again before every one of my hockey games. He only saw me play once when he was alive (since he was in MD and I’m in NC) but he never misses a game now.

You, your dad, and your whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ed

Jason D. Tritle|
June 9, 2009 at 1:19 pm |

My condolences. Having lost my father recently I know how difficult a time this can be but I also know that is an excellent time to cherish the memories that you have.

Best of luck and we will be here when you return…

Adam|
June 9, 2009 at 1:20 pm |

My thoughts and wishes are with you and your family.

Adam

Tick|
June 9, 2009 at 1:31 pm |

Not much I can say that hasn’t been said. Just wish I could write that eloquent! Awesome piece.

Cort|
June 9, 2009 at 1:44 pm |

The nicest part of that wonderful tribute was learning that your dad carried a Uniwatch membership in his wallet. How much better would this world be if every father was engaged enough and loving enough to always be his kids’ biggest fan, no matter their age, circumstances, or chosen endeavor?

Your dad was a great man, Paul. I wish you the best in a difficult time.

Michael Lewis|
June 9, 2009 at 2:18 pm |

Paul,

Condolences and prayers. I mostly lurk, but yfelt compelled to share my sympathies. I am truly sorry to learn of your loss. Best wishes.

Jason Chapman|
June 9, 2009 at 2:24 pm |

Hi Paul-

I just saw the news about your father and wanted to pass along my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Many blessing to you.

juan grande|
June 9, 2009 at 2:33 pm |

Paul,

Fair winds and following seas

Juan Grande

Diego|
June 9, 2009 at 2:46 pm |

Paul,

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this tough time. I read your post yesterday and it was very touching and definitely written with a lot of love in your heart for your father. My very best wishes and thoughts are with you my friend …

mtjaws|
June 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm |

One sports thing that pops in my mind today is both logical and considerate: Baseball’s bereavement list. Before they had this, a team had to make do with one less available player, and wait for his return. Now, the player can take proper time off, and the team can mind the store for those 3-7 games with a callup. I don’t know who thought of it, but it’s nice to see someone have a heart and make it a part of the game.

Sports are amazing, but so is family. And when they mingle, I think we all smile.

Stephen Santangelo|
June 9, 2009 at 3:06 pm |

Peace.

John English|
June 9, 2009 at 4:12 pm |

My earliest memory of sports in general was sitting next to my dad on the couch on a fall afternoon as Game 4 of the ’82 Series started on the tube, with him explaining to this 5 year old what a World Series was, what baseball was, and why we had to watch this instead of cartoons or something else.

Friday, I’ll be flying cross country to bring my Dad, now in somewhat failing health, back to California with me for good. You’ll be in my thoughts Paul. Hang in there and remember the good times.

Paul Reynaud|
June 9, 2009 at 4:42 pm |

Best wishes for you and your family.

Paul

Chris|
June 9, 2009 at 4:48 pm |

Thoughts and prayers with you. Your stories are always cool, and yesterday’s was no exception. I hope that doesn’t sound trite, it just sounds like you had an incredibly cool dad even to the end. I’d love to see you repost your story on Father’s Day. There’s no better tribute to a father than the thanks of his son. You honored him well I believe.

Brian|
June 9, 2009 at 4:56 pm |

Hi Paul,

Just wanted to pass on my condolences. Your stroy of you and you dad sharing baseball made me think of the same thing I share with my dad. It was a great and moving tribute for a great man. Take care.

Brother Joseph Mussa|
June 9, 2009 at 5:21 pm |

It’s so sad to lose one’s Dad, but your love of baseball, in particular, will keep him alive always within you. Much peace, and thanks for your great column.

Keith|
June 9, 2009 at 8:24 pm |

Paul,

Sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Best wishes in the future.

Dave|
June 9, 2009 at 8:59 pm |

Sincerest condolences on your loss. Like everyone else, I was moved by your tribute to your dad. He will live on in your memories and those of all who knew him.

Mike|
June 9, 2009 at 9:44 pm |

Paul,

My deepest condolences on your father’s passing. I’m five years your junior and lost my mother this February. Nothing can replace that bond. All the best to you and your family during this time. I was referred to your blog 2 months ago by a friend and have been an avid reader ever since. I look forward to future posts

mike

Sean|
June 9, 2009 at 9:58 pm |

Deepest condolences to you and your family Paul. Sports can truly bring one closer to loved ones, and I cherish the times my dad and I get to go Yankee Stadium every year. Now I’ll value it more, as I see the special times you and your father had. I’m 25 years old, and it will never get old to me. Take care Paul, and best wishes…

Dave Soline|
June 9, 2009 at 10:11 pm |

Paul
My deepest condolences to you and your family. That was a tremendous piece of writing yesterday and a great tribute to an obviously great man.

Paul, My deepest condolences. My grandfather was one who got me “hooked” on baseball. I lost him just before fathers day as well a few years back. Make sure to pay him a visit on father’s day if at all possible. It does the heart good.